ROCK COLUMBINE. 
35 
v 
The unequal and clustered stamens, and five thready styles of 
the pistil project beyond the hollow mouths of the petals, like an 
elegant golden fringed tassel; the edges and interior of the petals 
are also of a bright golden yellow. These gay colours are well 
contrasted with the deep green of the root leaves and bracts of the 
flower stalks. The bracts are lobed in two or three divisions. The 
larger leaves are placed on long foot stalks, each leaf is divided into 
three, which are again twice or thrice lobed, and unequally notched ; 
the upper surface is smooth and of a dark rich green, the under 
pale and whitish. 
As the flowers fade the husky hollow seed pods become erect— 
a wise provision in this and many other plants of drooping habits, 
giving the ripening seed better access to the sun and wind and 
preventing them from being prematurely scattered abroad upon the 
earth. 
The wild Columbine is perennial and very easily cultivated Its 
blossoms are eagerly sought out by the bees and humming birds. 
On sunny days you may be sure to see the latter hovering over the 
bright drooping bells, extracting the rich nectar with which they are 
so bountifully supplied. Those who care for bees, and love humming 
birds, should plant the graceful red-flowered Columbine in their 
garden borders. 
In its wild state it is often found growing among rocks and 
surface stones, where it insinuates its roots into the clefts and 
hollows that are filled with rich vegetable mould; and thus, being 
often seen adorning the sterile rocks with its bright crown of waving 
blossoms, it has obtained the name in some places of Rock 
Columbine. 
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